I love how…. My kids wake up with smiles on their faces every single day.

They give us hugs and say "I love you." whenever they feel like it; even our teenage son!They get the sleep they need when they feel tired. They can eat when they need to, and since we offer them a variety of foods, they can choose what their body needs.They know they have two parents who will do anything for them; although we have never gone out of our way to say that.It’s something they just know. They can follow any interest that they want, as far as they want to take it.They rarely say the phrase “I don’t know.” in response to a question because they know it’s safe to tell us what they are thinking. They are comfortable knowing that their house is “our” house as a family.They live free from the fear of punishments but instead have learned that their actions have real impacts on the people around them.They know kindness because they are constantly surrounded by it.They know respect because they are treated with respect.

They know appreciation because they have grateful parents.They have that “light” in their eyes, even when they are being serious.... These are my most meaningful measures as to how I am doing as a parent. These things are also my evidence that just because I didn't experience any of these things myself as a child, doesn't mean that our kids have to continue the cycle.

Perfect! I couldn't have said it better myself. Why don't more people understand that this is how a whole lot of homeschoolers are living out their day, and that most of us are not plastered up against the wall of either extreme?

Amy, I'm involved with a few homeschooling networks in my area and have found the same thing. Everyone is somewhere in the middle and don't fit any definition of a certain type; sometimes even afraid to admit it as if they feel like they are supposed to fit in someone's box.

I appreciate all of your comments very much!

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As a Parent Coach and Mentor, my passion lies in empowering parents to make the best decisions they can for their children and their families as a whole. As a well-trained coach, I can be your facilitator and accountability partner for long-lasting, meaningful change that has a permanent, positive impact for your family. By focusing on the values that you hold most important in your life, I can help you create and maintain the type of parenting relationship you want to have with your children, now and into their adulthood.

I am a homeschooling mom of four children in Massachusetts. I am also the author of a book called The Herbal Beverage Book, which can be found on amazon. When not coaching, writing or spending time with the family, I enjoy Hayao Miyazaki films, new and classic Dr. Who episodes, anything related to American history and a great glass of mead.

This blog is a collection of thoughts, articles and perspectives I have at any one time. While I am pretty consistent in my beliefs, life changes and evolves along with experiences. You may feel a connection with me through my writing yet I never want any of my readers to misunderstand that the connection you feel is with a perspective I have shared and not me as a person. I am continually humbled that I am able to connect with my readers, and I hope to continue to be able to for many years to come, but it doesn't make us connected in any way beyond this. If you connect with what I write and know me as an acquaintance, this in no way reflects that I have any knowledge of you, your situation in life or that I am writing with you in mind. It is merely that I have shared a human experience that most likely very many others have had has well. This also goes for anything I post on my Twitter account, Facebook Page and Facebook personal page. I wanted to make this disclaimer as clear as possible so you know that any misunderstanding you choose to have is not my responsibility.